Why book Amyth of Mykonos Agios Stefanos?
Because Mykonos isn’t just about partying. A Cycladic crash pad, the sugar-cube-shaped Amyth of Mykonos Agios Stefanos offers guests a personalised service in homely surrounds. The 17-key boutique hotel helps balance out retox:detox ratios while on the island, with hot tubs or private pools in most rooms, a sun-soaked pool terrace, and a health-centric menu.
Set the scene
On the lesser-trod side of Mykonos, in the Cycladic village of Agios Stefanos, Amyth of Mykonos Agios Stefanos sits away from the south coast’s party scene. While the isle’s hedonic beach clubs are only a 20-minute drive away (should dancing feet start to itch), Amyth’s location offers visitors a more authentic glimpse at Mykonian life, plotted in a primarily residential area. Not somewhere you’d necessarily walk around, as there are few shops and narrow, winding roads are often without footpaths, the white-stoned hotel serves best as a hideaway. A precarious final turn marks your arrival at the hotel, where an Acqua di Parma-fragranced lobby decorated in a palette of neutral tones befits the isle’s laidback sensibility and nods to the hotel’s overall ethos.
The backstory
Cyprian group Thanos Hotels & Resorts recently acquired the hotel property (formerly Habitat) in Agios Stefanos, marking their expansion outside Cyprus. Opened in April 2023, Amyth of Mykonos Agios Stefanos will form part of a wider collection of boutique properties, Amyth Hotels, which will be sprouting in locations across the Med. Previous guests of Habitat may find the hotel's overall look familiar, but the service and food and drink have undergone the greatest rehaul.
The rooms
Designed in collaboration with GNB Architects, the all-suite, boho-vibes hotel blends earthy tones, wooden furniture, and hand-woven fixtures to create a rustic retreat (with all the usual mod cons). Pleasantly simple in design, with a modern Mykonian feel, space is used effectively in the bedrooms with cosy seating and work areas, plus bathrooms presented in various formats (all offer shower facilities and are stocked with Acqua di Parma toiletries). The 17 one-bedroom suites follow a similar style; sea view suites come with a private pool or hot tub, while garden rooms boast private terraces. Of the quartet of Cycladic Suites on the primary floor (each complete with a private pool), the primely placed Amyth Suite is the most coveted. If you’ve forgotten a toothbrush or need a sewing kit, there’s a little caddy by the sink – and an ironing board in the wardrobe, while dry cleaning and laundry services are available for a charge.
Food and drink
David Goodridge is group executive chef across Thanos Hotels and has also lent his expertise to the menus at Amyth. The hotel’s main restaurant, Amyth Kouzina, offers an all-day Greek and Mediterranean menu. Plating up contemporary Mykonos fare and using local products where possible, there’s a ‘healthful’ focus on a solid portion of the menu, with popular plates including fresh, locally sourced seafood and zesty salads. Considering Mykonos’ feted restaurant scene, it’s a wise choice by the kitchen team not to try and compete with such highflyers but rather offer an alternative for those days when you want to stay closer to base and keep things casual. Of course, if you have a craving or wish to go off-menu, the kitchen will do its best to accommodate; just try to give them 24 hours’ notice for specific dishes. Guests can choose to dine anywhere, though lunch bites are perhaps best enjoyed by the outdoor pool, where Amyth Bar is also located. Open from sun-up to sun-down; the pool-adjacent bar offers both table and lounger service. Order a classic pour or test out one of their signature cocktails – the Dionysus Sangria (a blend of rose wine, elderflower, crème de cassis, and grapefruit soda) is a sweet choice. In-room dining is also available for a charge – avail of this option come breakfast time or enjoy your morning meal from 8-11am in the pool or breakfast area. A generous bakery basket with a selection of jams, honey, and local butter gets you started, along with your choice of freshly squeezed juice, teas, and coffees. Follow with a fresh fruit or Greek cheese platter before tucking into zingy avocado toast with poached eggs or American pancakes. Understated and no fuss, the overall feel of the restaurant spaces is laidback and easygoing, as denoted by their no-tablecloth policy, cutlery pouches, and simple brown-paper tablemats.
The service
Staff here are consistently warm and accommodating. On hand to help you plan out your days, whether you’re keen to make the pilgrimage to Apollo’s birthplace, Delos, island-hop until sundown on a private cruiser, or fancy taking a traditional cooking class atRizes Folklore Farmstead, they’ll do their utmost to help create the itinerary you want. On arrival, ask to be set up with the hotel’s WhatsApp number to ease communication for everything from car bookings to table reservations; it’s the simplest, quickest way to connect with the hotel’s concierge. Within the hotel, there’s a small spa that can be booked on request for beauty treatments and massages.
Who comes here?
Child-free travellers looking for a calmer island getaway (with the option of letting loose nearby when the notion takes them). Couples and groups of friends – including larger parties looking for an exclusive buyout – are likely to represent the biggest slice of the pie.
For families and pets
The hotel is adults-only. Dogs (weighing up to 20kg) are welcome for a surcharge of €25 per night, with a maximum of two dogs per room. Currently, pooches are accepted in all rooms, though those with a private swimming pool are not advised. On arrival, a tail-wagging selection of toys and treats and a dog bed and bowl are provided.
Eco effort
Solar panels are employed to generate energy for the hotel. From a food perspective, produce – from cheese and milk to fruits and veg – is locally sourced where possible and there’s a concerted effort to minimise food waste, with excess food being repurposed for staff meals.
Accessibility for those with mobility impairments
Due to the number of stairs positioned across the property, the bedrooms and pool space are not accessible to those using a wheelchair.
Anything else to mention?
Mykonos Airport is 6km away (approximately a 15-minute drive); the hotel can arrange transfers on request.
If you’ve forgotten something, there’s a small boutique called Kult, plotted by reception, where you can pick up a swimsuit, coverup, and other beach accoutrements, choosing from a smart edit of international luxury brands. From here, make a beeline for the pool, open from 9am until 6pm daily with sunbeds available on a first come, first serve basis. There’s also a small outdoor gym for workout sessions.
Is it worth it?
A simple hideaway for when you want to lay low and veg out, Amyth of Mykonos Agios Stefanos is a nice, easy-going place to relax and take fifteen before (and/or after) hitting the beach clubs.
Click here to read the article in Conde Nast Traveller.